First candidate declares intention to stand in 2026 general election

Simon Williams hopes to secure a seat in Rushen

A Port Erin man has declared his intention to stand in the 2026 general election.

One year before people head to the polls, Simon Williams has announced he will stand as a candidate for the House of Keys in the parish of Rushen.

It's the first official declaration ahead of the election next September.

In a statement he said: "Over the next year, I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible, introducing myself properly, and listening to what matters most to our community.

"My hope is that, on 24 of September 2026, I will earn your trust and the chance to represent Rushen in the House of Keys.

"If given that opportunity, I promise to serve the people of Rushen — and the Isle of Man as a whole — to the very best of my ability."

The Isle of Man General Election is taking place on Thursday 24 September.

You can find out more about the candidates standing here.